Aero Friedrichshafen is over. At the beginning, show organizers said it was their biggest yet, measured by the number of exhibitors. Aero trails AirVenture Oshkosh in this measurement but only slightly. In other words, it's big …big enough that it's hard to see everything of interest.
In the past days, I've covered 16 aircraft that I found interesting and I had to skip many others. I simply did not have the hours needed to visit every exhibitor to hear their story, even if it might be a great one. The show is that rich a target environment for a journalist covering Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot kits, and ultralights.

So Many Airplanes,
Not Enough Hours…

ScaleWings SW51 — When I reported this aircraft in 2018, the "Walter Mitty story" went on to become one of the most popular articles of the year on this website. On social media promotions it also attracted more attention than any other aircraft that year. A year later enthusiasm is still hot. Throngs around the aircraft at Aero reinforced that view. North American's P-51 and its distinctive shape has perhaps inspired more pilots than any other aircraft in history. Therefore, ScaleWings' intricately-detailed execution of a 70% scale replica of the iconic airplane draws admiring looks that few others can hope to match.
However, can they really manufacture this artistic work? Last year, I admit I wondered if the company would actually pull off the move to production. Originally known as the FK-51 because it was to be produced by FK Lightplanes' Poland facility, production ran into trouble. The Poland FK factory had various problems unrelated to this one design. Last year that older relationship was causing doubts about their sustained operation. The two went their separate ways.
In the last year, ScaleWings has made many changes, upgraded its staff, added test equipment, and brought in a top production man with a background in general aviation, according to front man, Christian von Kessel. Testing has continued using an impressive "strong back," a steel cage-type apparatus built to exert loads on an airframe to prove components and construction methods. The ScaleWings version of this is the most sophisticated I've seen. Work remains but this company is looking solid. Given the keen response to the airplane, if ScaleWings can enter steady production, they might sell all they can make.
To learn more, as I imagine many readers may wish to do, look at their brochure (PDF file).
Blackwing 600RG — Sweden's success story in light aviation could be summed up in one company's name: Blackwing. Since it first debuted at Aero 2015 the sleek design from the Scandinavian company has drawn many admiring looks. Blackwing exhibits their retractable gear model (600RG) because regulations in most European countries have no speed limit and no ban on retractable gear when operating as European-type ultralights. Therefore many companies in the LSA-like space push speed as a primary selling tool and retractable models are part of this. Displaying his aircraft with gear retracted (photo) Blackwing Sweden Founder and CEO Niklas Anderberg presents his slippery aircraft in its best go-fast look.
Current FAA regulations forbid retractable gear except on seaplanes as part of the overall goal to keep these aircraft easier to operate. The original mantra was "simple aircraft in simple airspace." FAA could not know that the new LSA sector would become a worldwide phenomenon that would circle back to help simplify Part 23 (CS-23) certification methods.
As reported here several times LAMA has informed industry that significant changes are coming. Beside key regulation changes proposed by LAMA, champions like EAA have fought to expand the professional build-assist center concept. FAA has adjusted its oversight of this effort to support the idea and more accommodating rules are coming. Updated regulations can help companies like Blackwing sell aircraft that exceed the LSA speed limit until we see if FAA will expand the Light-Sport Aircraft category to permit higher speeds. Until then, as interest may express itself, Blackwing also offers a fixed gear version that could enter the U.S. market sooner.
JMB Aircraft Update — "JMB Aircraft is run by two Belgium brothers," stated the company. "JMB Aircraft is the production company of the VL3, a plane designed by Vanessa Air and produced in the past by Aveko." Americans may already know this airplane although not from JMB and not called VL3. This is the Gobosh model once rebadged and sold in the USA with fixed gear and winglets. Back in 2007, Jean Marie and his brother represented Aveko models and became responsible for 85% of the producer's sales (outside the U.S). In 2012 they acquired Aveko and by 2015 had taken over production.
In recent years, JMB has done well. At their company party at Aero on Friday, Jean Marie gave a short talk where he provided some company data. "We bought the company seven years ago and we now employ 100 people in the Czech Republic. With dealers and other staff, JMB now is served by 150 people. Together they have built, sold, and delivered 320 VL3 aircraft, primarily in Europe with a few in other countries (two are in the USA registered under the Aveko brand). In 2018, JMB built 50 aircraft and Jean Marie said they were planning on 5.5 per month for 2019, or 66 aircraft. By any reasonable measure this is a good performance.
JMB does offer a fixed gear model but their website specifies, "Only for flight schools." As with Blackwing, since this Belgium-based company sells primarily in Europe where fast retractable are allowed, why would company leaders like Jean Marie want to show a slower model? JMB said VL3 Evolution can hit 160 knots with the Rotax 914 engine. They are seeking the right partner for America. Find our more about JMB Aircraft here.
Fly Synthesis Synchro & Catalina — Fly Synthesis catches my eye every year at Aero. Causing that response is always their sharply raked Synchro that makes an art of looking fast while sitting still. Joining the speedy-looking aircraft was an entry fresh to my eyes. The Catalina NG presents a different view of amphibious LSA-style seaplanes. Despite having a flock of airplanes the brand is unknown in the USA, which reveals another way to show the size of the LSA-like market around the world. Fly Synthesis reports delivering more than 2,000 aircraft, none of which are in the USA.
The company stated, "The vast experience accumulated on composite materials in years of activity [in aviation] has allowed us to explore other fields, such as renewable energy (wind power), automotive, and nautical." They also do "research and development, design and prototyping in collaboration with other companies in fields not strictly related to aviation."
Despite their diversification, the Italian company offers quite a full line of aircraft beside the Synchro that always catches my eye. Indeed, Fly Synthesis offers: a high wing, Synchro; low wing, Texan; European ultralight-style, Storch; an open cockpit Rotax 582-powered ultralight, Wallaby; and a rather unique approach to seaplanes, Catalina. All these are in production now. Discontinued is the single seat ultralight, Kangaroo.
The stories from Aero — and more from Sun 'n Fun — will continue for a while longer. Selected aircraft may be featured in additional articles with more specific info to that airplane.
As soon I return home and as the travel schedule settles, I'll work on a few short (≈ 2 min.) videos to follow.
Thanks for following our Sun 'n Fun and Aero Friedrichshafen show coverage! —DJ

Aero Friedrichshafen is over. At the beginning, show organizers said it was their biggest yet, measured by the number of exhibitors. Aero trails AirVenture Oshkosh in this measurement but only slightly. In other words, it’s big …big enough that it’s hard to see everything of interest.
In the past days, I’ve covered 16 aircraft that I found interesting and I had to skip many others. I simply did not have the hours needed to visit every exhibitor to hear their story, even if it might be a great one. The show is that rich a target environment for a journalist covering Light-Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot kits, and ultralights.
So Many Airplanes,
Not Enough Hours…
ScaleWings SW51 — When I reported this aircraft in 2018, the “Walter Mitty story” went on to become one of the most popular articles of the year on this website. On social media promotions it also attracted more attention than any other aircraft that year.

This article was updated with additional photos; see at bottom.
Midwest LSA Expo held a special ceremony to honor two men in their donation of a beautiful LSA-like aircraft now permanently displayed on an striking pedestal near the airport entrance.
Lots of airports have military aircraft mounted on pedestals. Even AirVenture, base of the homebuilders, has military fighters on raised displays — including the famous "jet-on-a-stick" near the show entrance. These displays honor a warbird heritage but those aircraft aren't what most members fly.
Enter Light-Sport Aircraft. While some have gotten deluxe far beyond the original concept — with prices to match — many affordable aircraft still make up the category of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft. These aircraft are what "real" people fly.
Midwest LSA Expo has now reached its 10th birthday, staying focused on showcasing this sector of aircraft. So, perhaps it is fitting that today they had a ceremony honoring a donation of a futuristic jet LSA design (technically "LSA-like"). To properly display an aircraft built to be a mockup, airport manager and dynamo Chris Collins organized an effort to make a handsome pedestal for the aircraft. Chris and team had to firmly cradle the aircraft to weather the elements. That they did it so artfully is icing on the cake.

A decal on the nose of the Hansen's Peregrine reads, "LSA Transcontinental Speed Record; Jacksonville – San Diego June 8, 2009" — Read the whole story here.

At a ceremony to thank brothers Jon and Ron Hansen, who donated the "jet on the stick," Chris got the mayor of Mt. Vernon and other officials to make an appearance. SW21 Jet is another creation of the fertile mind of Hans Schwöller, the man behind the stunning SW51.
Jon and Ron Hansen are figureheads in the LSA game since day one. Hansen Air Group was the first U.S. distributor for Tecnam and helped introduce the large Italian manufacturer to Americans. Today Tecnam manages its own U.S. outlet but Hansen gave them a good push forward.
Hansen Air Group has represented other brands such as FK Lightplanes, Sky Arrow, ScaleWings, and others. In particular, Hansen has been a key supporter of using LSA fitted with hand controls to allow handicapped persons take flying lessons. Although Hansen Air Group is gradually easing out of the business, Jon Hansen, brother Ron and Jon's sons Mike and Mitch — all airline pilots — have been important people as the Light-Sport Aircraft industry grew. It's fair to say, LSA would not the same without their long, steady input.

More Video Pilot Reports

Although weather all around Mt. Vernon foiled the arrival of several paid vendors, the airport itself has been flyable nearly all of both days so far. Saturday, the 8th is the third and concluding day.
Vendors in attendance logged steady demo flights to prospective customers. I've written that Midwest LSA Expo is our very best location to do Video Pilot Reports (VPRs) and the same applies to getting a demo flight before you complete an order for a new aircraft. The show and Mt. Vernon airport are extremely good at providing this opportunity.
I'll present reports ASAP but time is precious, so I'll just say now that we've now logged four VPRs.
On opening day we did the Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen and Rans Aircraft's S-21 Outbound.
Today, we captured the AeroEast Discovery 600 and a 914-powered Magni M-16 Gyroplane. Tomorrow, we hope to repeat. It takes a few hours to mount all the cameras, do a series of recorded landings and fly-bys, go evaluate the aircraft for an hour or so, and then record a video recap of the flight and the aircraft. Getting two of these done is an honest day's work. (…then the editing starts — many more hours).

At dinner tonight we discussed the 10th year of Midwest LSA Expo with airport manager and Expo leader, Chris Collins. While he's frustrated about the weather east and west Mt. Vernon and those who could not fly in because of it, those that did display gave a steady stream of demo flights and we captured video we hope you will like.
I'm calling it a winner.
Keep watching Videoman Dave's You Tube channel as these VPRs are uploaded for your viewing entertainment and education.

More Images of the SW21 Jet Dedication

Airport manager Chris Collins forwarded more photos of the ceremony dedicating the SW21 Jet to the Mt. Vernon airport. Of the one with Jon Hansen reverently touching the main support for the aircraft he donated to the airport, Chris said, "I love this shot!"

Mayor Speaks

In the second Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis makes a few remarks while brothers Jon and Ron Hansen wear their trademark broad smiles.
In the lower image, Chris identified all the parties that helped make this unusual light aircraft display possible.

This article was updated with additional photos; see at bottom.
Midwest LSA Expo held a special ceremony to honor two men in their donation of a beautiful LSA-like aircraft now permanently displayed on an striking pedestal near the airport entrance.
Lots of airports have military aircraft mounted on pedestals. Even AirVenture, base of the homebuilders, has military fighters on raised displays — including the famous “jet-on-a-stick” near the show entrance. These displays honor a warbird heritage but those aircraft aren’t what most members fly.
Enter Light-Sport Aircraft. While some have gotten deluxe far beyond the original concept — with prices to match — many affordable aircraft still make up the category of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft, and ultralight aircraft. These aircraft are what “real” people fly.
Midwest LSA Expo has now reached its 10th birthday, staying focused on showcasing this sector of aircraft. So, perhaps it is fitting that today they had a ceremony honoring a donation of a futuristic jet LSA design (technically “LSA-like”).

Many pilots who first set eyes on the SW51, a precisely faithful 70%-scale imitation of the famous North American Aviation P-51 Mustang managed to utter a single word: "WOW!"
Can you blame them? Look at this bird. The shape is classic and the detail is exquisite, finished down to the last rivet to mimic the famous World War II American fighter. Except, it's a kind of fake. I better explain.
We've seen this spectacular execution of Hans Schwöller before. It was then called FK51 and we reported it earlier in more detail as to its construction. Now welcome ScaleWings Aircraft.
Thanks to his youthful associate, Christian von Kessel, SW51 has been refunded and reenfranchised, bringing it to reality. The earlier producer group stumbled and this amazing construction never reached market.
Can you handle a machine that looks this awesome? As you hear Hans and Christian state in the video, SW51 is easy to take off and land and docile in flight. Early test flight were done by a Lufthansa airline captain (image). In fact, other P-51 clones also boast relatively manageable flight qualities, unlike the North American original that demanded considerable training and good skills, according to those with experience in the powerful machine. (If you have extra time on your hands, you can read my own experience with the prototype Titan Aircraft T-51 that provided — how shall I say? — …a learning experience.)For those ready for the hottest action, you can build the Experimental version and install a Chevy V-8 engine, but that's well beyond the scope of this website. If you're curious, though, ScaleWings says the airframe can take up to 600 horsepower.
The most distinctive quality of SW51 is its tight adherence to the original look, albeit it as a 70%-scale replica of the historic P-51 Mustang. The earlier report referenced above goes into more detail but I must repeat that although this looks remarkably like a riveted structure, it is not. SW51 is a carbon fiber execution of the original so true that a reported 100,000 rivets are molded into the finish. I saw people examining the example at Aero Friedrichshafen run their hand over the skin and they may still not have realized it was something of an illusion. Yes, it's that good!

Lufthansa Airlines Captain Thomas Kreimeierof performed the first test flight in September 2014.

Actually, it's better in one way. The North American P-51 was originally a single seater. Imagine your first flight in that aerial hot rod!
ScaleWings' model will accommodate pilots from 4 feet, 11 inches (150 cm) to 6 feet, 7 inches (200 cm) in a cabin that is 22.8 inches wide (58 cm). That aft seat uses enclosed foot wells to prevent interference with front seat belts while using the rear pilot pedals but obviously the SW51 will allow flight training as needed. Engine controls plus throttle and prop controls are provided at each seat.
SW 51 also bests the original with detachable outer wing sections that feature an autoconnect design; wing locking connects flaps, ailerons, pitot tube, electric and fuel lines. The developer reports the process takes one person a mere five minutes to complete.
If you want the LSA version, it will be supplied with a fixed gear configuration; the manufacturer understands what is needed for the U.S. market. For those that want the whole Walter Mitty effect with big engine and high speeds, learn more here about their kit-building program.

Gulp! Can you afford this beauty? Budgets vary by person, but SW51 is roughly comparable to other higher-end Special LSA. In Europe, the assembled base price is about $182,900, though shipping to the U.S. and other countries will add expense. Yankees wanting the retractable version will indeed have to choose a kit, with the cost starting at around $140,000 for a quick-build version, however, this does not include the engine. A wide range is available if you kit build, up to a very powerful V8 engine. Given what you may be acquiring, those prices are reasonably affordable if you yearn for the full fighter jock sensation of flying your own 70%-scale P-51 Mustang lookalike.
Learn more on our video from Aero Friedrichshafen 2018. If you have additional questions, get more answers via email. You can also download their detailed brochure in English here.
https://youtu.be/XarW4wNLDN8

Many pilots who first set eyes on the SW51, a precisely faithful 70%-scale imitation of the famous North American Aviation P-51 Mustang managed to utter a single word: “WOW!”
Can you blame them? Look at this bird. The shape is classic and the detail is exquisite, finished down to the last rivet to mimic the famous World War II American fighter. Except, it’s a kind of fake. I better explain.
We’ve seen this spectacular execution of Hans Schwöller before. It was then called FK51 and we reported it earlier in more detail as to its construction. Now welcome ScaleWings Aircraft.
Thanks to his youthful associate, Christian von Kessel, SW51 has been refunded and reenfranchised, bringing it to reality. The earlier producer group stumbled and this amazing construction never reached market.
Can you handle a machine that looks this awesome? As you hear Hans and Christian state in the video, SW51 is easy to take off and land and docile in flight.

(This article has been updated in June 2018 to reflect a new manufacturer.)
At Aero 2013, I covered one of the most interesting replica airplanes I have ever seen in many years of scouring airshows for light aircraft of interest. My videographer and I did a video story about this exciting project. The airplane was again displayed at Aero 2014 though not in such a high traffic location but that hardly dampened enthusiasm. No question ... FK Lightplanes continued their approach of great showmanship in displaying the most authentically realistic reproduction of a 70% scale P-51 Mustang you can imagine. Most replicas have to approximate some qualities but FK Lightplanes and their design partner, Austria-based ScaleWings AeroTec, made what they are now calling SW51 into something different. It has detail beyond what you can envision without seeing the construction in person.
First named FK51, SW51 reproduces the 100,000 or so rivets and screws that put together an original World War II vintage P-51 Mustang. The work is all done in composite so those are not real screws or rivets but you'd have to be a P-51 mechanic to tell the difference, even when you put your hand on the skin to be sure your eyes are not deceiving you. SW51 is magnificent! "Every rivet row, every screw and every maintenance door matches the original plane," said creator ScaleWings. A reported 40,000 man hours have been invested.
Today, Jon Hansen of Hansen Air Group called to say that SW 51 flew in October 2014 and the initial flight went very well. "It looks to exceed our flight expectations for it," exclaimed Jon. Because demand is already spiking, FK Lightplanes' Poland factory will be working to build about one SW51 per week. The design has been optimized not only for a very high degree of authenticity but for swifter production. Jon explained that using modern CAD manufacturing, the assembly of the components can happen fairly fast. "When the fuselage halves go together, much of the wiring and other details will already be in place," Jon explained. A European-style ultralight version will have retractable gear and in-flight adjustable prop because such is allowed under rule in the EU. "For the USA, we will be offering a Light-Sport version with fixed gear and propped to stay within the 120 knot limit of LSA," clarified Jon. Weight, all parties have said all along, will not be a problem because the design is created for sale in Europe as well where the limits are 472.5 kilograms (1,041 pounds) to include the German required airframe parachute. SW51 is also designed to accommodate aerobatic flying.
Developer ScaleWings said, "[Our] Mustang is an absolute true to original ... replica of the legendary P-51 Mustang." What was formerly called FK51 "will be produced in a complex but extremely strong carbon-honeycomb construction ... a guarantee for an extremely lightweight construction with maximum strength. [SW51] Mustang will look deceptively similar to the original Mustang in all surface details." To be sure structures and aerodynamics were professionally engineered, ScaleWings worked closely with the founder of FK Lightplanes, Peter Funk. Using his years of experience, Peter is responsible for the aerodynamic and static design, structure layout, dimensioning, load tests, flight tests and the certification of the SW-51 Mustang, said ScaleWings. This was a smart decision as today Peter focuses on engineering and new development after turning over manufacturing over to Rolland Hallam in Poland.
We see that yellow taildragger Cubalikes sell briskly in the USA where many aviators have a sweet spot for vintage aircraft. Yet none that I recall inspire as much interest as the P-51 Mustang, easily one of the most highly regarded aircraft of all time. The problem is that only a very few people can afford an original and probably even less are qualified to fly them today. This gives an opening to creations like the 1990s Loehle all-wood 5151 Mustang, the Titan T-51 Mustang (video) and heavier versions such as the Stewart S-51. The latter, driven by a 450-hp Chevy Corvette engine was also quite costly and the Loehle was more ultralight than most folks want. Titan is successfully selling T-51 models as a 51% kit but for pure accuracy in recreating the original and in fully-built form, SW51 from FK Lightplanes and ScaleWings looks hard to beat. If this moves you as it does many, you might want to contact Hansen Air Group sooner than later. Jon Hansen told me today that he and the Poland factory expect most SW51 to sell in the USA and Jon believes they'll sell out their entire 2015 allotment in a short time. The first example in America is unlikely by Sebring but will certainly show at Sun 'n Fun.
Watch SW51 take its first crow-hop flight in this video. (Note: turn sound up for interview with FK Lightplanes director, Rolland Hallam.)

(This article has been updated in June 2018 to reflect a new manufacturer.)
At Aero 2013, I covered one of the most interesting replica airplanes I have ever seen in many years of scouring airshows for light aircraft of interest. My videographer and I did a video story about this exciting project. The airplane was again displayed at Aero 2014 though not in such a high traffic location but that hardly dampened enthusiasm. No question … FK Lightplanes continued their approach of great showmanship in displaying the most authentically realistic reproduction of a 70% scale P-51 Mustang you can imagine. Most replicas have to approximate some qualities but FK Lightplanes and their design partner, Austria-based ScaleWings AeroTec, made what they are now calling SW51 into something different. It has detail beyond what you can envision without seeing the construction in person.
First named FK51, SW51 reproduces the 100,000 or so rivets and screws that put together an original World War II vintage P-51 Mustang.